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Highlands Today

UPDATE:Subdivison Near Kissimmee River Faces Worst Flooding

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By Douglas  Carman | Highlands Today

Published: August 20, 2008

While several parts of south Highlands County have reported flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay, the worst flooding appears to be at Kissimmee River Estates, a subdivision just off State Road 70, near the Kissimmee River, and on the eastern border with Okeechobee County.

Residents at this largely mobile home community said that up to 8-inches of water seeped into their homes Tuesday.

Freddie Wynn almost got hit by a 50-foot pine tree Tuesday afternoon that fell a foot from where he was sitting with his dog on his lap.

Wednesday, his home had a blue tarp and he was trying to deal with the aftermath of the storm like his neighbors.

Homes still had standing water in yards, and residents were cleaning up downed branches and limbs.

Residents in Lorida and along Leisure Lakes were also dealing with standing water and closed roads after two creeks flooded, spilling water on roads and residential properties.

Arbuckle Creek, which skirts the northern end of Lake Istokpoga, and Jack Creek, which lies on the northern end of Lake June, went past their flood stages.

One resident who lives on Arbuckle Branch Road said she has water surrounding her house.

Ninety percent of Neiberts' Fishing Resort, near Arbuckle Creek, was under water this morning.

The Highlands County Road and Bridge Department has closed Arbuckle Creek Road in several areas.

Many roads around Lake June and the Leisure Lakes area were closed this morning due to standing water.

The Florida Department of Transportation has closed U.S. 98 from Cowhouse Road south to Nine-Mile Grade.

This morning, about 10 to 15 school buses that bus students in the affected areas were 10 to 15 minutes late while dropping off students at the schools.

Some parents had to take their kids to other bus-stops to be picked up. School buses will be dropping off students at these revised bus-stops today.

Two liasion officers with the Army National Guard, stationed in Fort Pierce, were in Highlands County to find out if the county needs any help. County Administrator Micheal Wright told them at an EOC briefing today that the county did not need their help at this moment.

Check back highlandstoday.com for updates.

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